KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Things maybe looking up as Chiefs Kingdom awaits final word on quarterback Patrick Mahomes' availability for the AFC Championship Game on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium.
Mahomes "cleared certain steps Monday, 'some big steps', but he remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol," ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter said on Twitter.
Chiefs’ QB Patrick Mahomes cleared certain steps Monday, “some big steps”, but he remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol with what is considered a concussion and it’s too early to say that he definitely will play in Sunday’s conference championship vs. the Bills, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2021
Mahomes, who is also dealing with a foot injury, has "what is considered a concussion", according to Schefter, and no determination has been made regarding his availability against the Bills.
Mahomes left last Sunday's victory in the AFC Divisional round against the Cleveland Browns after a third-quarter hit on an option run.
Citing an unnamed source, Schefter reported that Mahomes is expected to practice on Wednesday, which would be the Chiefs' first in preparation for facing Buffalo.
"He still must go through certain steps to clear concussion protocol in the coming days, and there is hope and optimism, considering he is expected to practice Wednesday, per source," Schefter said on Twitter.
Chiefs’ QB Patrick Mahomes cleared certain steps Monday, “some big steps”, but he remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol with what is considered a concussion and it’s too early to say that he definitely will play in Sunday’s conference championship vs. the Bills, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2021
If Mahomes does practice, it would be a significant step toward playing in the AFC Championship Game, which Kansas City will host for an NFL-record third consecutive season at 5:40 p.m. on Sunday.